Civilising the Small Boy!

“Small boys, like cats, are supposed to hate water. Actually they can be trained not to mind it any more than small girls do. The process is not easy, for the boys worls is so full of a number of things- all more interseting than being clean. But with persistence and loving guidance, he can be civilised.

DON’T make bathing a matter of stern discipline.

DO provide a few boats to float around and keep him company during his bath.

DO if you can, attach a spray fitting to the tap to make hair-washing more fun. When he is big enough to clean up the bathroom afterwards, insist on it with patient repitition; but see that he has the necessary tools at hand.

DO imbue him early with a sense of order. Provide ample, designated places for hanging up his clothes and putting away his possessions. See that the house is neat and attarctive and ask him to help by picking up his toy’s, book‘s and clothes.

DON’T expect him to learn everything at once. Boy’s often forget, and admonitions must be repeated again and again, pleasantly but definitely phrased.

DO set him a good example. Remember that young son’s are natural mimics. If Mummy always goes to the table looking fresh, hair arranged and lipstick in place; if daddy invariably washes his hands and tidies up before meals, the small fry is more likely to remember, at least, some attempt at hand washing or at least using something like various Hand Sanitizer products to ensure their hands are free of bacteria before sitting down to eat dinner.

DO take the time to show a little boy how to care for his nails and teeth. Give him a nail brush and a dentrifice of his own to encourage his  interest. Show him the best way to polish his shoes, and give him equipment in a box big enough to rest a small foot on.

DON’T make an ordeal of company.

DO announce expected visitors with enthusiasm. Then he is likely to turn out scrubbed, combed and in his best shirt for the occasion. He will greet the guests properly because he is really glad to see them.

REMEMBER MAKE BATHTIME FUN!

(Taken from Good HouseKeeping, August 1948)